by Cori Leigh | Dec 20, 2024 | Christmas, Journey From Anxiety to Peace, Stress
The holiday season is here. We decorate our homes with care, fill our schedules with celebrations, and shop for thoughtful gifts. Everything looks festive, and we can feel the magic of the season all around.
However, it’s also a busy time of year, and for many people around the world, it can be a source of stress. Increased anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief and even illness can overshadow the joy of Christmas. For those who have lost a loved one or are feeling isolated, the holidays can be especially difficult.
As we rush to complete our never-ending to-do lists, the pressure to make the holidays perfect can leave us feeling drained. Often, self-care slips down the list of priorities. But taking care of ourselves is essential, and it’s possible to do so—even during the busiest of seasons.
In this post, I’m sharing self-care ideas that will help you reclaim the holiday spirit and give yourself the gift of peace, joy, and health.
Simplify Your Christmas
The best gift you can give yourself this Christmas is simplicity. We all want to create beautiful memories for our loved ones. We build on stress when we overextend ourselves physically, emotionally, and financially.
By simplifying your holiday plans, you’ll reduce stress and avoid burnout. Prioritize what matters most and make space to enjoy the season with family and friends without the weight of unrealistic expectations.
Boost Your Immune System
The holiday season can take a toll on our health, but focusing on nourishing your body can help you stay strong and vibrant throughout the festivities. Here are some key self-care habits to support your immune system and overall well-being:
- Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of rest each night. Sleep is essential for maintaining energy and resilience.
- Healthy Meals: Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your daily meals to nourish your body.
- Vitamins: Take a daily vitamin supplement to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need for immune support.
- Prayer and Meditation: Set aside time before bed for prayer or meditation to calm your mind and release any stress.
- Naps: If possible, take short naps during the day to recharge.
By incorporating these habits into your routine, you’ll support both your physical and mental health, setting the stage for a peaceful and joyful holiday season.
Moments of Quiet Time
Taking time for yourself may feel impossible amidst the holiday rush, but it’s essential for restoring balance and reducing stress. Making space for quiet moments doesn’t require hours—just a few minutes can make a world of difference.
- Find a quiet spot, like your bedroom, where you can pause and breathe deeply.
- Lie down, close your eyes, and focus on the present moment—leave behind the “to-do” list.
- Even just 15-30 minutes of solitude can help clear your mind and ease stress.
- Use this time to journal your thoughts or practice relaxation breathing (belly breathing) to calm your nervous system.
These moments of self-care will help you center yourself and regain energy to enjoy the season.
Pamper Yourself a Little
Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant to be effective. Treating yourself to small moments of pampering can help you unwind and rejuvenate.
- Take a relaxing bath with soothing scents, light a candle, and enjoy a good book.
- Visit a spa for a massage or facial if it’s in your budget, or enjoy a DIY at-home treatment.
- For me, nothing beats curling up with a cup of hot tea and an aromatherapy candle in the evening. Even my dog loves the peaceful atmosphere!
What’s your favorite way to pamper yourself during the holiday season? Share in the comments!
Give Yourself the Gift of Self-Care
Christmas is meant to be enjoyed, and self-care is the key to unlocking the joy and peace of the season. When you prioritize your health and well-being, you’ll create a holiday experience that’s filled with love, happiness, and calm.
Make this holiday season one of joy and self-compassion. May it be filled with blessings, health, peace, and, of course, moments of self-care. Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a New Year filled with hope and joy!
I’d love to hear from you in the comments:
Will you add yourself to your Christmas list this year and check it twice?
How do you reduce stress and stay healthy throughout the holidays?
by Cori Leigh | Oct 3, 2024 | Cups of Hope
When life is hard, it’s easy to lose hope. Health crises, the loss of loved ones, and traumatic experiences often leave us wondering, “When will it ever get better?”
I’ve certainly had my share of difficult seasons. During those tough times, I experienced intense anxiety and uncertainty, often feeling lost and broken.
I sometimes felt consumed by my circumstances, with fears, the weight of grief, and many concerns weighing me down. Hope dimmed, energy dissipated and joy faded.
Yet, even in those darkest moments, I discovered that hope prevails. There are ways to rise with hope in tough times!
How to Rise with Hope
When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to lose sight of hope. But there are ways to stay anchored in faith and keep moving forward. Here are a few ways you can hold on to hope when life feels unbearable:
Lean on Your Faith
In the stormiest seasons of life faith becomes our anchor. Have you ever felt distant from God during hard times? I have. Yet, when I spent even a few quiet moments in prayer, I was reminded that He never leaves, even when my heart feels heavy.
When you feel weak and the heavy weight of burdens, remember that He is your strength, Jesus is with you, even when you can’t feel his presence.
The Power of Prayer in Tough Times
When life becomes overwhelming, and we feel burdened by grief, fear, or uncertainty, prayer can be a powerful source of comfort and strength.
Praying during tough times isn’t just about asking God to fix our problems. It’s about opening our hearts to His presence, surrendering our burdens, and trusting Him to guide us through the storm.
Have you ever noticed that when you give your burdens to Jesus, your heart feels lighter?
By offering our worries and fears to Him, we lighten our hearts, renew our hope, and find the strength to keep moving forward.
Prayer reminds us that God is with us every step of the way, helping us rise with renewed energy and peace.
Take One Day at a Time
When life feels overwhelming, it’s tempting to focus on everything that’s going wrong. But trying to solve all our problems at once can feel unbearable. Instead, focus on today. Take one small step at a time, trusting that God will give you the grace you need for tomorrow when it comes.
Matthew 6:34 reminds us not to worry about tomorrow because today has enough trouble of its own. When you focus on today’s steps, you’ll find strength in each moment, without feeling weighed down by tomorrow’s unknowns.
Surround Yourself with Support
Grief and hardship can make us feel isolated as if no one truly understands our pain. But remember, you don’t have to carry this weight alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or a faith community.
Sometimes, hearing someone say, “I’m here for you,” can remind you that you’re not walking through this storm alone.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help or pastoral counseling if needed. There’s no shame in getting the support you need when life feels too heavy to bear alone.
Attitude of Gratitude
It can be hard to see the good when everything feels wrong. But even in the darkest seasons, there are glimmers of hope. Make it a habit to look for small blessings each day—whether it’s the warmth of the sun, a kind word from a friend, or a moment of peace.
Gratitude helps shift our focus from what we’ve lost to what we still have. And sometimes, those small moments of gratitude are enough to keep us going.
Take Care of Yourself
Grief, anxiety, and stress can take a toll on your physical health. It’s important to care for your body, mind, and soul. Make sure you’re nourishing your body, getting enough rest, and doing things that replenish your spirit.
A walk outside, quiet time in nature, or a few moments of stillness can do wonders and restoring your energy and perspective.
Hold on to Hope
Hope doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay. It’s the quiet confidence that, even when things are hard, God is working for your good. Hold on to that hope, even if it’s just a small glimmer. Sometimes, just believing that tomorrow could be better gives us the strength to face today.
A Poem: Wrapped in His Perfect Love
I wrote this poem several years ago during a difficult time. It’s a reminder that, even when life feels overwhelming, we are wrapped in His perfect love!
Your heart shatters beneath the weight of fear,
this brokenness you carry year by year.
Hope dims as shadows cloud your sight,
and faith, once strong, gives way to fright.
What future lies ahead in this despair?
In the storm, is Jesus truly there?
Anxiety’s tide has shifted the shore,
and peace feels distant, lost evermore.
Consumed by fears that steal your days,
the past has melted in an anxious haze.
Longing for freedom, though the path seems dim,
at last, you surrender all to Him.
Now you look to Jesus, your soul at rest,
for in His peace, your heart is blessed.
Wrapped in His perfect love, you rise with hope, set free,
no longer bound by life’s stormy sea.
In His perfect love, you’ve found your way,
from darkness to light, to a brighter day.
Friends, if you’ve survived hard things, you are not alone. I encourage you not to give up. God’s perfect love will comfort you and bring new hope, even in the darkest moments.
On those days when getting out of bed feels impossible, remember this: His light is still shining. Sometimes it may feel faint, just a small glimmer on the horizon, but it’s enough. That tiny spark of hope can light the way through today, and before you know it, brighter days will come again.
by Cori Leigh | Sep 18, 2024 | Coping while Grieving, Coping with Losing a Pet, Dealing with Loss, Grief
Grief comes in many forms, and the loss of a beloved pet can be one of the most profound experiences of sadness and heartache we face. Pets are more than companions; they become family members, deeply woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Their love is constant and unconditional; losing them can leave a hole that feels impossible to fill.
As a family, we’ve faced many layers of loss over the years, but the loss of our pets during difficult times hit particularly hard. At the end of August 2022, my little dog Bella, who had been with me for 17 ½ years, passed away in her dog bed, right beside me.
Her loss was just the beginning of a cascade of grief, as my father, already weakened by cancer, passed away just 2 ½ months later. The grief I experienced wasn’t only tied to many other losses, but also to the realization that layers of my life were unraveling all at once.
Layers of Grief: When Loss Piles Up
From 2019 to 2024, I experienced a series of losses that included both close family members and pets. After Bella’s passing, I knew in my heart that I would eventually need another dog, but I wasn’t prepared for how deep the void would feel. Bella had been my shadow, my loyal friend, my constant companion for 17 ½ years.
She wasn’t just my pet; she was family. Bella had this special way of offering comfort—not just to me, but to my dad, who was living with dementia. She was a quiet support dog, her presence giving him something to focus on, a source of care and love in his final few years of life.
When Bella died, I felt completely lost. Her absence was so tangible that I felt it in every moment. She had been such an integral part of my caregiving journey with my parents that I couldn’t imagine life without her by my side.
This was a deep grief, the kind that isn’t always understood by others. Many people dismiss pet loss as “lesser” than losing a human loved one. The truth is that losing a pet is also carries a heavy weight of grief.
The Decision to Open My Heart Again
After Bella’s death, I began to think about adopting another dog. I knew I wasn’t ready just yet. I was still caring for my dad, and I could feel the weight of anticipatory grief as I watched him decline. His battle with cancer was nearing its end, and I was trying to balance the sadness of losing Bella with the knowledge that I would soon lose my dad too.
Then, just before my dad passed away, I received a call from a rescue organization about a tiny one-year-old Shih Tzu/Chihuahua mix named Emma. She needed a home, and they thought I might be the right person to adopt her.
I was torn. and not sure I could handle the emotional toll of bringing a new dog into my life while I was still grieving Bella. Given my dad’s failing health I began to reconsider adopting because of the time-sensitive urgency for them to rehome her.
The date to take her with us was set for November 12 2022 but my dad was so very sick. Still, I agreed to take her knowing my daughter could help care for her while I cared for my dad.
On the same day in the early morning of November 12, my dad passed away at home with my sister, her husband and I by his side. Given the heartbreaking circumstances of losing my dad, I almost canceled the adoption plans.
My 27-year-old daughter, who still lives with me, said something in my parent’s kitchen that changed my perspective.
“Mom, we’ve been through so much,” she said through tears. “Maybe new life may help us cope with the loss of Bella and Papa.”
Her words resonated with me. She was right. Despite the overwhelming grief, there was a chance that a new life—no matter how small—might bring some light into our darkest days.
On the day my dad passed away, Emma was delivered to us. She was just 4 ½ pounds, a fragile little soul who had come from a difficult first year of life. And in that moment, I understood her fear, because I was feeling so lost myself.
Two years later, Emma has become a special friend, helping to fill the void that Bella left behind. But even though I’ve opened my heart to another dog, I still miss Bella every day. Grief is like that. It doesn’t go away entirely, but it becomes part of who we are, and in time, we learn to live alongside it.
Less than a year after losing Bella and my dad, our 21-year-old cat, Daisy Girl, also passed away due to old age. We were blessed to have her with us for so long, but her loss was still deeply felt.
Then, just a month and a half later, we lost our 16-year-old lab mix, Koda. He had been with us since he was just 5 ½ weeks old, and he passed on what would have been my dad’s 87th birthday.
Amid all this heartache, our dear Emma became even more special. In the days, months, and now almost a year since we lost Koda, we’re still learning to live without those we loved so dearly.
Pet grief is hard, and while we may eventually move forward, our hearts remain open to the love we had—and always will have—for them.
How do you move forward and heal your wounded heart? You do, but it’s not about leaving the grief behind; it’s about moving with the grief and loss.
Grief never completely goes away, but with time, healing does happen.
Moving Forward: Finding Ways to Heal
The loss of a pet can leave you feeling overwhelmed with sadness, but there are ways to navigate this grief and eventually move forward. Here are some ways that have helped me cope, and I hope they will offer some comfort to you as well.
Acknowledge the Depth of Your Grief
Society may not always recognize the full depth of pet loss as a “real” grief. You will feel the loss deeply because the bond was real and important. Allow yourself to feel the pain and don’t be afraid to talk about it with others who understand.
Create a Memorial
One of the most healing things you can do after losing a pet is to create special ways to remember them. Whether through a photo album, a memorial in your garden, or something special like lighting a candle on the anniversary of their passing.
Acts of remembrance can help honor their memory and give you a sense of closure.
Lean on Your Support System
Grief is not something you should carry alone. Talk to friends, family, or others who have experienced similar losses. Sometimes, just sharing your story with someone who understands can be incredibly comforting.
Consider Loving Another
Opening your heart to another pet doesn’t mean you’re replacing the one you lost. Rather, it’s a way of continuing to share the love you have with another animal in need. It took me some time to welcome Emma into my life, but she has brought me joy and healing in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Give Yourself Time
Grief is not a linear process. There will be good days and hard days, and it’s okay to feel a range of emotions. Permit yourself to grieve in your own time, and don’t rush the healing process. Remember, every relationship is unique, and so is the grief that follows.
Final Thoughts
Losing a pet is heartbreaking, but it’s also a reminder of the deep love we have for them, The grief we experience when they pass away is a reflection of how much they meant to us.
While the pain of losing Bella and my other pets will always be with me, the memories and the love I continue to share with Emma and my other pets are part of the healing process.
It’s possible to move forward with grief by continuing to love, even when it feels impossible at first. We don’t forget those we’ve lost, but we learn to make room for new connections and new joy. And in doing so, we honor the pets who brought us so much love and happiness.
by Cori Leigh | Aug 15, 2024 | Coping while Grieving, Dealing with Loss, Encouragement for Caregivers, Grief
Losing a loved one is a heart-wrenching experience. The weight of grief is often compounded by extreme fatigue. When someone you love dies, it feels as if your world has been upended. My world was turned upside down as I cared for my dad, who lived with mixed dementia and cancer. I coped with waves of anticipatory grief, deeply saddened to see him struggle with his health conditions.
I cherished every moment I had left with my dad. He lived his 85 years to the fullest, filling every corner of my life with his love. My dad navigated life with vibrant energy, artistic talent, humor, and kindness. I see the season of caregiving and being with him in his time of need as a gift. It provided a chance to give back to a dad who loved me so much.
In the early morning of November 12, 2022, my dear dad passed away. During his final months, I cared for him almost every night until the personal support worker arrived in the morning. In the aftermath of his passing, I realized just how much exhaustion had accumulated over those few years of caregiving.
In this post, I share some of my journey through the intense grief and fatigue that accompany the loss of a loved one. I offer suggestions for gradually finding a new balance, renewed strength, and hope while coping with both grief and fatigue.
Coping with the Weight of Grief
“In the silence of grief, we find seeds of peace and whispers of hope for renewal and strength.
Grief affects every facet of our being, impacting every aspect of life. After my dad passed away, the weight of sadness entered every fiber of my being. I couldn’t fathom living each day without him. The loss was overwhelming and touched every area of my life. I couldn’t envision what the future would look like without my dad in it. The physical and emotional fatigue from caregiving often goes unnoticed until after our loved one has passed.
It was only after my dad’s death that I became acutely aware of how emotionally and physically drained I had become. The brain fog was so thick that I struggled to think clearly or carry out everyday tasks. I needed restoration and healing but didn’t know where to start. I felt disoriented, as my mind and body reacted to the stress of the emotional journey leading up to my dad’s passing.
Grief and fatigue affect the body and mind in various ways. Physically, you might experience sleep disturbances, headaches, muscle tension, and a weakened immune system. Emotionally, fatigue can amplify feelings of sadness, anxiety, and guilt. The constant demands of caregiving, and the emotional strain of loss, can deplete your energy, leaving you feeling drained and disoriented.
Here are some suggestions to help you cope with grief and the fatigue that accompanies it;
- Recognize that what you are feeling is normal and valid. Grieving is a complex process.
- Fatigue is a natural response to the emotional and physical strain you’ve been under.
- Give yourself permission to feel and express your emotions.
- Make rest a priority. Ensure you get enough sleep, as your body needs it to heal.
- Practice self-care activities that nurture your body and soul.
- Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who understand what you’re going through.
- Sharing your feelings with others can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Consider speaking with a therapist or counselor who specializes in grief.
Moving Forward with Hope
Though the path through grief may feel endless, hold on to hope. In time you can rediscover a new sense of balance and hope. Moving forward with your grief isn’t about forgetting your loved one. Be gentle with yourself and recognize that this is a journey, not a destination. By taking small steps toward self-care and seeking support, you can navigate the challenges of grief.
Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward healing. Embrace the journey with patience and compassion, knowing that peace and strength will come with time.
by Cori Leigh | Aug 8, 2024 | Journey From Anxiety to Peace, Stress
Anxiety crept in during various challenging seasons of my life. The constant worry about what the future might hold weighed heavily on my heart. I would sometimes wake up in the middle of the night, my mind racing with endless “what ifs.” It wasn’t until I realized how much worry was fueling my anxiety that I began to seek ways to find peace.
Anxiety can take on many forms and intensities. In our fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become almost synonymous with daily living. Millions of people around the globe struggle with countless burdens and find reasons to worry every day.
We race against the clock, trying to pack so much into our days. In our rush, anxiety and busyness rob us of the joy in the present moment. Life isn’t meant to be a relentless mix of stress, worry, and fear.
We were created for something more—a divine purpose beyond the daily grind. God calls us to cast our cares upon Him, to release our worries about the next second, minute, hour, or years past.
The Universal Reality of Anxiety
Anxiety is widely considered a universal reality today. Several factors contribute to the prevalence of anxiety across different populations:
Modern Lifestyle Pressures
The fast pace of life, constant digital connections, work demands, financial stress, and social pressures all contribute to higher baseline stress and anxiety.
Global Challenges
Events like the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainties, political instability, and climate change have increased feelings of uncertainty and fear, fueling anxiety on a global scale.
Mental Health Awareness
Increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues have led to more people recognizing and acknowledging their experiences with anxiety, which may have been overlooked or stigmatized in the past.
Widespread Stressors
Factors like health concerns, family responsibilities, caregiving, and societal expectations can lead to anxiety across different age groups, cultures, and backgrounds.
While the intensity and manifestation of anxiety may vary from person to person, it is a common experience for many people in today’s world. This doesn’t mean everyone experiences clinical anxiety, but most individuals encounter feelings of anxiety at some point in their lives, whether due to specific stressors or more generalized concerns.
How Worry Feeds Anxiety
Worry is a subtle yet powerful emotion. It often goes unnoticed until it spirals into full-blown anxiety. It starts as a small concern and nagging thought about what could go wrong. When left unchecked, worry can grow, feeding on our fears and insecurities.
Worry and anxiety are closely linked. Worry acts as the fuel that keeps anxiety burning. When we worry, we dwell on potential negative outcomes. We imagine scenarios that may never happen. This constant mental rehearsal of worst-case scenarios keeps our minds on high alert. This triggers the body’s stress response.
The more we worry, the more anxious we become, and the more anxious we become, the more we worry. Breaking this cycle is essential to managing anxiety effectively. By recognizing when worry starts to take over, we can take steps to interrupt the loop and bring our focus back to the present moment.
Letting Go of Control: The Path to True Peace
It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing we must carry life’s burdens alone. Society often promotes self-reliance, urging us to handle everything without asking for help. But the truth is, we’re not alone, and we don’t have to face our struggles by ourselves.
In our own strength, life’s burdens can be overwhelming. Anxiety arises when we try to control everything, believing we are solely responsible for making things work. The weight of our concerns, anxieties, and worries is too heavy to bear alone. This is where faith comes in.
Finding peace in an anxious world requires surrendering our lives and days to God. The world offers no true peace, but in Him, there is a peace that surpasses all understanding—sufficient for today and every day.
Practical Steps to Finding Peace
So, how do we find peace in a world filled with anxiety, stress, and worry? Here are some practical steps that can help:
Pause and Breathe
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to combat anxiety is to pause and breathe. When anxiety starts to take hold, it often causes shallow, rapid breathing, which only increases feelings of panic. Taking a moment to breathe deeply and slowly can help calm both the mind and body.
Practice Deep Breathing
Try this simple exercise: Breathe in slowly for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, then exhale slowly for a count of four. Repeat this several times until you feel calmer.
Re-evaluate Your Priorities
In our quest to do it all, we often overcommit ourselves, leading to increased stress and anxiety. It’s important to re-evaluate our priorities.
- Learn to Say No: It’s okay to say no to things that don’t align with your values or that add unnecessary stress to your life. Focus on what truly matters to you.
- Simplify Your Life: Consider ways to simplify your daily routines. This might mean decluttering your home, streamlining your schedule, or reducing screen time. Simplification can reduce the mental load and create more space for peace.
Connect with Others
Anxiety can be isolating, making it easy to feel like you’re going through your struggles alone. But human connection is essential for mental health. Don’t isolate yourself—reach out to others.
- Talk about it: Share your struggles with trusted friends or loved ones. Sometimes just talking about what you’re going through can bring relief and perspective.
- Join a Support Group: Consider joining a support group where you can connect with others dealing with similar challenges. There’s comfort in knowing you’re not alone.
Practice Gratitude
Even on the hardest days, there are things to be thankful for. Cultivating a heart of gratitude can shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in your life. Gratitude has been shown to reduce anxiety and increase overall well-being.
- Keep a Gratitude Journal: Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big things—sometimes, it’s the small blessings that make the biggest difference.
- Express Thanks to Others: Take the time to thank the people in your life who support and care for you. Expressing gratitude can deepen your connections and bring more positivity into your life.
Take Care of Your Body
Our physical health is closely linked to our mental well-being. When we neglect our bodies, we make ourselves more vulnerable to stress and anxiety.
- Nourish Your Body: Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which can exacerbate anxiety.
- Get Proper Sleep: Lack of sleep can make anxiety worse. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a bedtime routine that helps you wind down and prepare for rest.
- Increase Activity: Regular physical activity is a powerful tool against anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. Even a daily walk can make a difference.
Faith – A Source of Strength and Peace
Spending time in prayer, reading scripture, or sitting in God’s presence provides comfort and peace.
- Daily Devotionals: Set aside time each day for devotionals. Whether it’s reading a passage from the Bible, meditating on a verse, or journaling your thoughts and prayers, this time can help you stay grounded.
- Cast Your Cares on Him: Remember the invitation in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Surrendering your worries to God can lighten your load and bring a sense of peace.
An Invitation to Slow Down
When the going gets tough, God invites us to slow down. To take a deep breath. We’re reminded in Proverbs 3:5-6 to not lean on our understanding but to acknowledge Him in all our ways, and He will direct our paths.
Life is full of day-to-day hassles, hustle, and hurry. Yet, in the midst of it all, there is peace to be found., you’re not alone on this journey. Together, we can navigate life’s challenges and find the peace that God promises—a peace that passes all understanding.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about what helps you stay grounded.
How do you manage to find peace?
How does living in this anxious world affect you?
